The proposed $240 million pork processing facility in Mason City, Iowa announced this week will have a positive market impact on the industry. Steve Meyer, Vice President of Pork Analysis for EMI Analytics says the plant is still a couple of years off, but the capacity when fully operational will be close to 20,000 hogs per day.
This pork plant is one of four scheduled to be built or revamped in the next couple of years in the Midwest, including the plant in Sioux City. However, Meyer thinks it will improve the negotiated hog market.
Meyer says currently there aren’t enough pigs raised in the area to supply the plant, so there will be an opportunity for pork producers wanting to grow.
Prestage Farms is investing in the plant in Mason City. The Charlotte, North Carolina-based company has been in the poultry processing business for more than 60 years and also brings pork experience to the marketplace.
